Honoring Black Union soldiers massacred at Fort Pillow

By Wiley HenryMEMPHIS, TN – When Dr. Callie Herd learned that a “massacre” had taken place on April 12, 1864, at Fort Pillow, a Union garrison in Henning, TN, she and her son, Ronald C. Herd II, sprang into action.They have honored the Union’s Black soldiers since 2016 – those who fought and died at Fort Pillow, whom they discovered buried in 109 unnamed graves in Section B at the Memphis National Cemetery, 3568 Townes Ave. While the American flag is the symbol of democracy, Sir Walter Andrade’s artwork from 2017 depicts a tattered symbol. This year marks the 160th anniversary of what is known as the “Fort Pillow Massacre.” It begins with a commemorative art exhibit on April 6 at Withers Collection Museum & Gallery, 333 Beale St.Presented by The WEALLBE Group, Inc. – an umbrella organization advocating for responsible social entrepreneurism and activism via the arts, media, and education – the art exhibit is titled “We Remember Fort Pillow.”The opening reception is from 3 p.m. to 6 pm, with entertainment provided by DJ Kai’yrs Slayer, Jackie Murray, Bro. Bridge Muhammad, John Smith, and Herd, who plays a trumpet.Herd also heads a list of featured artists, including Frank D....